Tantia Tope was one of the most significant leaders of the Indian Revolt of 1857. Even without any formal military training, he came out as one of the most capable generals of the rebel forces. He was the righthand man of Nana Saheb during the Cawnpore rebellion. He helped Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, who was also his childhood friend, fight the British forces. The two later joined hands and captured the fortress city of Gwalior. After suffering defeat in Gwalior, in which Rani Lakshmi Bai attained martyrdom, he adopted guerrilla warfare and evaded direct fight with the British. For nearly a year, the British forces, led by their most capable generals, chased him incessantly; however, they could not capture him. Finally, a betrayal by a close aid led to his arrest. This was followed by a hurried military trial and his execution. His descendants; however, claim that he died while fighting a battle a few months before.